October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which we would like to observe here at Main Street Medical Clinic. According to Cancer.Net, “This year, an estimated 268,600 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, and 62,930 women will be diagnosed with in situ breast cancer. An estimated 2,670 men in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer.” 

Our goal here is to raise breast cancer awareness in our community and to inform of the treatments available; and more importantly, look into the prevention and detection of this disease. Let’s look into the importance of mammograms and health screenings, the signs of breast cancer and how you can lower your risk of the disease.

The Importance of Annual Mammograms

Annual mammograms can provide women with early detection of breast cancer before patients or doctors can feel any sort of changes in the breast. This early detection is also when breast cancer is most treatable. Catching signs early through active preventive health treatment and annual medical testing ensures less extensive treatment needed in the long run and improves the chances for conserving the breasts. 

Know the Signs & Facts

While some people don’t show symptoms at all, common different symptoms people see from breast cancer include–

• Change in the size or shape of the breast.
• Pain in any area of the breast.
• Nipple discharge or bleeding.
• An unusual lump in the breast or underarm.

If you worry you have some of these signs, see your medical professional right away for immediate testing and care. If you’re a woman over 50 and haven’t had a mammogram, we strongly recommend doing so at least once every two years. 

Lowering Your Risk of Breast Cancer

Typically, women with breast cancer show no family history of the disease and showed no prior risk factors. However, there are steps you can take to lowering your breast cancer risk. A breast cancer screening can’t prevent it, but finding it early makes it much easier to treat. Here is a list from Mayo Clinic of steps you can take towards reducing your risk of breast cancer:

• Limit alcohol. 
• Control your weight.
• Be physically active. 
• Breast-feed.
• Limit dose and duration of hormone therapy. 
• Avoid exposure to radiation and environmental pollution.

Pro Tip: It’s important to be conscious of your health and lifestyle choices regardless of your risk factors or family history. Schedule regular health screenings, exercise daily and eat a healthy, balanced diet.

Breast Cancer Awareness and Preventive Health

It’s important to raise awareness in your community on the risks of breast cancer and steps you can take towards living a happy and healthy lifestyle to avoid potential threats. Understand where you are with your preventive health plan and remember to get check-ups with your primary care physician frequently. 

For more information on disease prevention and breast cancer awareness, join the conversation.